Khamis brace seals Sydney derby win

A first half double to Westfield Matilda Leena Khamis has guided Sydney FC to a strong Sydney derby win over Western Sydney Wanderers in front of a record crowd of 4,178 crowd at Allianz Stadium on Sunday.

Khamis struck in the 13th and 29th minutes to send the Sky Blues in at half time leading 2-0, and it was a lead they didn’t relinquish as the Wanderers threatened at the latter stages of both halves.

Strong early pressing from Sydney FC forced the turnover that led to the first goal, as Natalie Tobin played in Khamis who beat Caitlin Cooper before dispatching the ball into the back of the net.

The Wanderers threatened to equalise as they applied the pressure, with Kendall Fletcher driving a powerful effort over the bar from the edge of the area.

That miss proved costly as Khamis doubled the lead three minutes later, deflecting Kyah Simon’s volley in while on the ground in unorthodox finish.

The Wanderers were unlucky not to reduce the deficit just before the break as first Katie Stengel and then Eliza Ammendolia and Helen Petinos saw efforts saved point blank by Sham Khamis, with the halftime whistle sounding moments later.

Sydney FC started the second half the brighter of the two sides, with Leena Khamis particularly lively, as chances to Georgia Yeoman-Dale and Khamis were both denied by fine goalkeeping from Jada Mathyssen-Whyman.

Simon had a chance to increase the margin late in the match however the Wanderers keeper was again equal to the effort, as the full time whistle sounded to confirm a Sydney FC win.

The result sees Sydney FC pick up their first points of the season, while Western Sydney Wanderers remained consigned to the foot of the table.

Sydney FC next face Melbourne Victory away from home on Sunday 20 November (kick off 4pm), while Western Sydney Wanderers host Adelaide United, also on Sunday (kick off 3pm).